DEVELOPERS whose controversial plans for the Abergavenny Cattle Market were turned down say they are considering appealing against the decision.

The £11 million Henry Boot scheme, proposed for the Lion Street site, included an Asda food store and smaller clothes store, a cinema, library and 31 flats as well as two other retail units.

But it was rejected at a Monmouthshire County Council meeting on Tuesday, on the grounds of its size, the design not fitting in with the town and the impact on congestion.

A spokesman for Henry Boot said they were now considering their next move.

He said: "We will look at some of the options, including appealing and resubmitting plans."

But many campaigners say they would like to see new plans for the site.

President of the Abergavenny Chamber of Trade Andy Hinksman said he wanted a competition where architects send in their designs.

He has already met with leader of the council, Councillor Andrew Crump, to suggest the idea.

Mr Hinksman said: "We could put it out as a design competition for architects, overseen by the Design Council For Wales.

"It's a case of going back to the drawing board."

Barry Greenwood from Friends of the Earth, part of the Save Abergavenny's Unique Character and Environment (SAUCE) group, said residents need to be consulted on any future designs.

He said: "We need proper community involvement from the start."

Campaigners want a smaller food store and buildings which use traditional materials, to blend in with the character of the town.

They also want to see some of the slaughterhouse buildings kept.

Abergavenny Development Forum secretary David Brancher said there should be a return to the design brief put together two years ago, which stated the site should have a modest-sized food store and the abattoir buildings should remain.

A spokesman from Henry Boot said: "We worked very hard with the council to put together a scheme that was acceptable in terms of design.

"We made last minute changes to bring forward a design which we still believe would help with the future of the town."